India’s declaration of ‘Opening to export wheat to South Asian neighbours despite ban’ Reflection of ‘Neighbourhood First Policy’?

John Rozario
Contd from previous issue
However, neighboring countries of India see a glimmer of hope in an assurance from India’s Commerce Secretary amid the sanctions. He said the sanctions would benefit neighboring and poorer countries.
It is the successful implementation of India’s ‘Neighbourhood First Policy’. India’s neighbors should be thankful and grateful to India. It proves that India deserves to be regional responsible country. India’s neighbours must recognize that ‘India is a really South Asian leader because India deserves it. However, India should help its neighbours in such way in their needy moment. India should remind that it is the responsible country in the region.  India’s Neighbourhood First Policy, a key component of the country’s foreign policy, emphasizes peaceful relations and collaborative synergetic co-development with its South Asian neighbors. Thus, India’s declaration is timely for implementing its ‘Neighbourhood first policy’.
The Modi administration recognizes the importance of cultivating and maintaining relationships with its neighbors. The Modi Government has emphasized the “Neighbourhood First” policy as a key component of Indian foreign policy since taking office in 2014. The strategy aims to foster friendly and cooperative connections with its South Asian neighbors in a variety of fields, including the economy, science and technology, research, and education.
Vaccine diplomacy has been viewed as a pragmatic response to the global epidemic and a means of enhancing the country’s image as a responsible leader at both the regional and global levels. Notably, Indian diplomacy, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic, resulted in India being recognized on the international scale as a harbinger of hope, delivering critical assistance to needy Nations and people around the world. Vaccine diplomacy (Vaccine Maitri) was used by India as part of its Neighbourhood First strategy to assist numerous countries throughout the world including neighboring countries during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Operation Ganga was conducted to rescue Indian Nationals stranded in war-torn Ukraine. So far, thousands of Indian Nationals have been repatriated under the scheme. Significantly, the Indian Government has rescued citizens of several other countries besides Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal through this operation.
It is India that stood by Bangladesh always. Even during the Ukraine crisis, India helped Bangladesh to evacuate Bangladeshi people. India’s helping hand to Bangladesh is time-tested. A friend in need is a friend indeed. According to the media reports, 9 Bangladeshi Nationals have been rescued from Ukraine recently under Operation Ganga. Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina has already thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for rescuing the citizens of Bangladesh.
India’s vital assistance to South Asian countries by prioritizing neighbouring countries in its pursuit of foreign policy objectives, particularly by offering assistance to Sri Lanka and Afghanistan during their crises, demonstrates India’s commitment to its Neighbourhood First policy.
Now, declaration of ‘Indian wheat export ban not to affect South Asian neighbours’ is obviously a reflection of ‘Neighbourhood First Policy’. There are more reasons in the future to support the Neighbourhood First policy: First, persistent interaction with neighboring countries will aid in the creation of a friendly atmosphere in the region, which has long been a barrier to the region’s stability, trust, and progress. Stability will allow India to pursue its foreign policy objectives while also allowing other South Asian countries to flourish and prosper. Second, by providing the essential assistance likeDeclaration of ‘Indian wheat export ban not to affect South Asian neighbours’, India can improve its position in the area and gain economic and strategic depth in relation to China. As a result, there is a stronger need for ongoing involvement with its neighbors.
Third, for long-term cordiality and stability, people-to-people interactions and strong cultural affinities should be prioritized. Furthermore, quick delivery should be prioritized.